This chapter starts off with Scout being saddened as Jem tells her to act more like a girl, and comforted by Calpurnia, as she explains, "Don't you fret too much over Mister Jem," (pg. 115). Scout desperately waits for Dill, but unfortunately he is not coming to Maycomb this Summer. Soon in the book, it is Sunday and the kids have to go to church. However, Atticus is not able to take them, and Calpurnia does not trust Jem and Scout enough to let them go on their own, so she takes them as her “company” to First Purchase African M.E. Church, which is the black people's church. In the very first few pages it describes the kids getting ready in very fancy clothes, because Calpurnia says she doesn't want others thinking she doesn't take care of them. Finally, they make their way over to the church and the congregation is generally kind to them, but Lula, a black woman in the church, contradicts Calpurnia as to why Jem and Scout are accompanying her to the black's church. At last, Calpurnia, Jem, and Scout enter the church, and proceed with their doings. Very few people in the church know how to read, so the congregation sings by repeating what Zeebo, Calpurnia's son and the town's garbage collector, reads. Scout learns a lot about the different lifestyles of black people, and is very fascinated by how they live. When people are raising 10 dollars for Helen, Tom Robinson's wife, Scout realizes that the strong bond is existing in the black people's community. She also questions Calpurnia about her schooling, and even asks if she can go to her house once. Jem and Scout learn that Tom Robinson is accused by Bob Ewell. When the children return home, Aunt Alexandra is waiting for them.
Setting
First Purchase African M.E. Church
Most of this chapter occurs either inside or around First Purchase African M.E. Church, where only the black people go. It is called 'First Purchase' because is was bought with the first earnings of freed slaves. Near the church there is a cemetery, with some old crumbling tombstones, and some new ones that are brightly colored. This church is made of bricks, and is an old building, with the paint peeling off.
It is the "...only church with a steeple and bell" (pg. 118) and "the inside was unceiled and wasn't painted..." (pg. 118) Also there are no fancy instruments or things that Jem and Scout usually saw in their church, such as an piano, organ, or hymn-books. Light in the inside is quite little, and the coolness inside disappears when the people fill in the church. Only small cardboard fans lay on the chairs in the church.
Maycomb County
Character Description
Jem Finch: Jem is now 12, and he acts older. He has changed to become more mature and understand the world better. He has deeper thoughts, as well as a lot more consideration compared to Scout. Jem has started to walk in his father footsteps and acts like a mister, as told by Calpurnia. He is proper, and has respect for everyone. But along with his maturity Jem also gains a lot of anger. He is easily aggravated, and antagonizing him is a lot easier, even the slightest thing would set him off. This creates a conflict between Jem and Scout. Before, Jem was a boy who fooled around with Scout, but has now been changing to a gentleman. This proves that he is a dynamic character. He went from being a boy at ages 10 and 11, to a proper, nice, mini-Atticus at 12.
Scout Finch: Scout is still a little girl who doesn’t understand everything. She never understands why Jem has changed dramatically because she is not as mature as Jem has become. She is curious, and always has questions. Scout also seems to always speak her mind, but understands if she is gestured to shut-up. Learning is still her passion, and she wills to learn continuously. She has the thoughts of a child, and always voices them. For example when Calpurnia talks to her church friends, she speaks a little differently (a less educated) but Scout doesn't understand why. Scout thinks that Cal should just talk normal, not understating Calpurnia's reasons until Calpurnia tells her.
Calpurnia: Calpurnia is the Finch's house keeper, and she is responsible for taking care of Jem and Scout. Usually she doesn't take them to church, but she has to this time. In this chapter she is extremely nice to Scout at first, and also comforts her when she is upset over Jem. Calpurnia also believes that both Jem and Scout have to look their best to go to the church with her. By taking Jem and Scout to her church, she makes them to realize lifestyles of the black people. When Calpurnia argues with Lula, the author makes it clear that Calpurnia is a non-racist. She is Zeebo's mother and the one who taught him to read and write since she values education. She is patient with Scout, and tries her best to explain what she finds appropriate. A couple years older then Atticus, Calpurnia is also from the Finch landing, who was also taught by Miss Maudie's aunt.
Zeebo: Zeebo is Calipurnia's eldest son, and was also educated by her. He reads from the hymn-book to start the singing of the entire congregation. He is also very welcoming of the Jem and Scout when they come to his church. He has children. His job is a garbage collector, and that's why Jem and Scout are shocked that he is literate.
Lula: Lula first appears in this chapter. She is a woman who goes to the same church as Calpurnia, First Purchase African ME church. She is quite offended by the fact that Jem and Scout are allowed to come in. She is quite a racist and believes that her church is only for the black people. "She was bullet-headed with strange almond-shaped eyes,straight nose, and an Indian-bow mouth." (pg. 119). She is also quite tall. Many people think she is a trouble maker.
Reverend Sykes: Reverend Sykes is also a member of First Purchase African M.E. Church. He welcomes Jem and Scout's visit to his church, saying that 'everyone knows their father.' During the service, Sykes collects 10 dollars for Helen, Tom Robinson's wife, because she can't find a job. This demonstrates the strong bond in the black people's community, and Sykes's humanity and kindness.
Photo Bank
Tapeworm (pg. 153)
Definition: A long, flat worm that lives in the intestines of humans and animals.
…”Reckon he’s got a tapeworm?”
Sash (pg. 156)
Definition: A long strip of cloth worn around the waist or over one shoulder, especially as part of a uniform '...she wrapped a pink sash tightly around my waist.'
Petticoat (pg. 156)
Definition: A piece of woman's underwear like a thin dress or skirt, worn under a dress or skirt
'...She made me wear a petticoat and she wrapped...'
Kerosene lamps (pg. 159)
Definition: A lamp using a type of fuel oil that is made from petroleum.
'… Along its walls unlighted kerosene lamps hung on brass brackets.'
Pulpit (pg. 159)
Definition: A small platform in a church that is like a box and is high above the ground, where a priest stands to speak to the people.
'…Behind the rough oak pulpit a faded pink silk banner proclaimed God Is Love.'
Organ (pg. 159)
Definition: A large musical instrument with keys like a piano.
'…There was no sign of piano, organ, hymn-books, church programs.'
Hymn Book (pg. 160)
Definition: A book of hymns
"…How’re we gonna sing it if there aren’t any hymn books?”
Rocking chair (pg. 168)
Definition: A chair with two curved pieces of wood under it that make it move backwards and forwards.
'…was sitting in a rocking chair exactly as if she had sat…'
Vocabulary (explanation & quoted in context from the novel)
Inconsistent: acting at variance with one’s own principles or former conduct
Eg:) “He was difficult to live with, inconsistent, moody.” (pg.153)
2. Appalling: horrifying, shocking Eg:) “His appetite was appalling and he told me so many times…” (pg.153)
3. Pester: to annoy somebody, especially by asking them something many times Eg:) “…told me so many times to stop pestering him I consulted Atticus…” (pg.153)
4. Tapeworm: a long, flat worm that lives in the intestines of humans and animals Eg:) “’Reckon he’s got a tapeworm?’” (pg.153)
5. Altercation: a noisy argument or disagreement Eg:) “After one altercation when Jem hollered…” (pg.153)
6. Compensation: something, especially money, that somebody gives you because they have hurt you, or damaged something that you own Eg:) “The fact that I had a permanent finance was little compensation for his absence.” (pg.154)
7. Barnacle: a small shellfish that attaches itself to objects underwater, for example, to rocks and the bottoms of ships Eg:) “The Governor was eager to scrape a few barnacles off the ship of state;…” (pg. 154)
8. Denote: be a sign of; indicate Eg:) “Lighting rods guarding some graves denoted dead who rested uneasily;…” (pg. 157)
9. Asafetida: a fetid, resinous gum obtained from the roots of a herbaceous plant, used in herbal medicine and Indian cooking Eg:) “Hearts of Love hair-dressing mingled with asafetida, snuff, Hoyt’s Cologne, brown’s Mule, peppermint, and lilac talcum.” (pg.157)
10. Indignantly: feeling or showing anger or annoyance at what is perceived as unfair treatment Eg:) “Calpurnia whispered to me, but the roses on her hat trembled indignantly.” (pg.158)
11. Contentious: causing or likely to cause an argument; controversial Eg:) “’Don’t pay no ‘tention to Luna, she’s contentious because Reverend Sykes threatened to church her.” (pg.159)
12. Rotogravure: a printing system using a rotary press with intaglio cylinders, typically running at high speed and used for long print runs of magazines and stamps Eg:) “…the church’s only decoration except a rotogravure print of Hunt’s The light of the World.” (pg.159)
13. Congregation: a group of people who are gathered together in a church to worship God regularly Eg:) “… stopping in front of us and facing the congregation.” (pg.161)
14. Artillery: large, heavy guns which are often moved on wheels Eg:) “Zeebo cleared his throat and read in a voice like the rumble of distant artillery.” (pg.161)
15. Melancholy: a deep feeling of sadness that lasts for a long time and often cannot be explained Eg:) “Line for line, voices followed in simple harmony until the hymn ended in a melancholy murmur.” (pg.161)
16. Denunciation: an act of criticizing somebody/something strongly in public Eg:) “His sermon was a forthright denunciation of sin, an austere declaration of the motto on the wall behind him.” (pg.162)
17. Agony: extreme physical or mental suffering Eg:) “Fans crackled, feet shuffled, tobacco-chewers were in agony.” (pg. 164)
18. Thunderstruck: extremely surprised and shocked Eg:) “Jem was thunderstruck” (pg.166)
19. Enamored: to be filled with a feeling of love/affection Eg:) “Enamored, upright, uncompromising, Aunt Alexandra was sitting in a rocking chair exactly as if she had sat there every day of her life.” (pg.168)
20. Uncompromising: unwilling to change your opinions or behavior Eg:) “Enamored, upright, uncompromising, Aunt Alexandra was sitting in a rocking chair exactly as if she had sat there every day of her life.” (pg.168)
Plot
This chapter starts off with Scout being saddened as Jem tells her to act more like a girl, and comforted by Calpurnia, as she explains, "Don't you fret too much over Mister Jem," (pg. 115). Scout desperately waits for Dill, but unfortunately he is not coming to Maycomb this Summer. Soon in the book, it is Sunday and the kids have to go to church. However, Atticus is not able to take them, and Calpurnia does not trust Jem and Scout enough to let them go on their own, so she takes them as her “company” to First Purchase African M.E. Church, which is the black people's church. In the very first few pages it describes the kids getting ready in very fancy clothes, because Calpurnia says she doesn't want others thinking she doesn't take care of them. Finally, they make their way over to the church and the congregation is generally kind to them, but Lula, a black woman in the church, contradicts Calpurnia as to why Jem and Scout are accompanying her to the black's church. At last, Calpurnia, Jem, and Scout enter the church, and proceed with their doings. Very few people in the church know how to read, so the congregation sings by repeating what Zeebo, Calpurnia's son and the town's garbage collector, reads. Scout learns a lot about the different lifestyles of black people, and is very fascinated by how they live. When people are raising 10 dollars for Helen, Tom Robinson's wife, Scout realizes that the strong bond is existing in the black people's community. She also questions Calpurnia about her schooling, and even asks if she can go to her house once. Jem and Scout learn that Tom Robinson is accused by Bob Ewell. When the children return home, Aunt Alexandra is waiting for them.
Setting
Most of this chapter occurs either inside or around First Purchase African M.E. Church, where only the black people go. It is called 'First Purchase' because is was bought with the first earnings of freed slaves. Near the church there is a cemetery, with some old crumbling tombstones, and some new ones that are brightly colored. This church is made of bricks, and is an old building, with the paint peeling off.
It is the "...only church with a steeple and bell" (pg. 118) and "the inside was unceiled and wasn't painted..." (pg. 118) Also there are no fancy instruments or things that Jem and Scout usually saw in their church, such as an piano, organ, or hymn-books. Light in the inside is quite little, and the coolness inside disappears when the people fill in the church. Only small cardboard fans lay on the chairs in the church.
Character Description
Jem Finch: Jem is now 12, and he acts older. He has changed to become more mature and understand the world better. He has deeper thoughts, as well as a lot more consideration compared to Scout. Jem has started to walk in his father footsteps and acts like a mister, as told by Calpurnia. He is proper, and has respect for everyone. But along with his maturity Jem also gains a lot of anger. He is easily aggravated, and antagonizing him is a lot easier, even the slightest thing would set him off. This creates a conflict between Jem and Scout. Before, Jem was a boy who fooled around with Scout, but has now been changing to a gentleman. This proves that he is a dynamic character. He went from being a boy at ages 10 and 11, to a proper, nice, mini-Atticus at 12.
Scout Finch: Scout is still a little girl who doesn’t understand everything. She never understands why Jem has changed dramatically because she is not as mature as Jem has become. She is curious, and always has questions. Scout also seems to always speak her mind, but understands if she is gestured to shut-up. Learning is still her passion, and she wills to learn continuously. She has the thoughts of a child, and always voices them. For example when Calpurnia talks to her church friends, she speaks a little differently (a less educated) but Scout doesn't understand why. Scout thinks that Cal should just talk normal, not understating Calpurnia's reasons until Calpurnia tells her.
Calpurnia: Calpurnia is the Finch's house keeper, and she is responsible for taking care of Jem and Scout. Usually she doesn't take them to church, but she has to this time. In this chapter she is extremely nice to Scout at first, and also comforts her when she is upset over Jem. Calpurnia also believes that both Jem and Scout have to look their best to go to the church with her. By taking Jem and Scout to her church, she makes them to realize lifestyles of the black people. When Calpurnia argues with Lula, the author makes it clear that Calpurnia is a non-racist. She is Zeebo's mother and the one who taught him to read and write since she values education. She is patient with Scout, and tries her best to explain what she finds appropriate. A couple years older then Atticus, Calpurnia is also from the Finch landing, who was also taught by Miss Maudie's aunt.
Zeebo: Zeebo is Calipurnia's eldest son, and was also educated by her. He reads from the hymn-book to start the singing of the entire congregation. He is also very welcoming of the Jem and Scout when they come to his church. He has children. His job is a garbage collector, and that's why Jem and Scout are shocked that he is literate.
Lula: Lula first appears in this chapter. She is a woman who goes to the same church as Calpurnia, First Purchase African ME church. She is quite offended by the fact that Jem and Scout are allowed to come in. She is quite a racist and believes that her church is only for the black people. "She was bullet-headed with strange almond-shaped eyes,straight nose, and an Indian-bow mouth." (pg. 119). She is also quite tall. Many people think she is a trouble maker.
Reverend Sykes: Reverend Sykes is also a member of First Purchase African M.E. Church. He welcomes Jem and Scout's visit to his church, saying that 'everyone knows their father.' During the service, Sykes collects 10 dollars for Helen, Tom Robinson's wife, because she can't find a job. This demonstrates the strong bond in the black people's community, and Sykes's humanity and kindness.
Photo Bank
Tapeworm (pg. 153)
Definition: A long, flat worm that lives in the intestines of humans and animals.
…”Reckon he’s got a tapeworm?”
Sash (pg. 156)
Definition: A long strip of cloth worn around the waist or over one shoulder, especially as part of a uniform
'...she wrapped a pink sash tightly around my waist.'
Petticoat (pg. 156)
Definition: A piece of woman's underwear like a thin dress or skirt, worn under a dress or skirt
'...She made me wear a petticoat and she wrapped...'
Kerosene lamps (pg. 159)
Definition: A lamp using a type of fuel oil that is made from petroleum.
'… Along its walls unlighted kerosene lamps hung on brass brackets.'
Pulpit (pg. 159)
Definition: A small platform in a church that is like a box and is high above the ground, where a priest stands to speak to the people.
'…Behind the rough oak pulpit a faded pink silk banner proclaimed God Is Love.'
Organ (pg. 159)
Definition: A large musical instrument with keys like a piano.
'…There was no sign of piano, organ, hymn-books, church programs.'
Hymn Book (pg. 160)
Definition: A book of hymns
"…How’re we gonna sing it if there aren’t any hymn books?”
Rocking chair (pg. 168)
Definition: A chair with two curved pieces of wood under it that make it move backwards and forwards.
'…was sitting in a rocking chair exactly as if she had sat…'
Vocabulary (explanation & quoted in context from the novel)
Eg:) “He was difficult to live with, inconsistent, moody.” (pg.153)Inconsistent: acting at variance with one’s own principles or former conduct
2. Appalling: horrifying, shocking
Eg:) “His appetite was appalling and he told me so many times…” (pg.153)
3. Pester: to annoy somebody, especially by asking them something many times
Eg:) “…told me so many times to stop pestering him I consulted Atticus…” (pg.153)
4. Tapeworm: a long, flat worm that lives in the intestines of humans and animals
Eg:) “’Reckon he’s got a tapeworm?’” (pg.153)
5. Altercation: a noisy argument or disagreement
Eg:) “After one altercation when Jem hollered…” (pg.153)
6. Compensation: something, especially money, that somebody gives you because they have hurt you, or damaged something that you own
Eg:) “The fact that I had a permanent finance was little compensation for his absence.” (pg.154)
7. Barnacle: a small shellfish that attaches itself to objects underwater, for example, to rocks and the bottoms of ships
Eg:) “The Governor was eager to scrape a few barnacles off the ship of state;…” (pg. 154)
8. Denote: be a sign of; indicate
Eg:) “Lighting rods guarding some graves denoted dead who rested uneasily;…” (pg. 157)
9. Asafetida: a fetid, resinous gum obtained from the roots of a herbaceous plant, used in herbal medicine and Indian cooking
Eg:) “Hearts of Love hair-dressing mingled with asafetida, snuff, Hoyt’s Cologne, brown’s Mule, peppermint, and lilac talcum.” (pg.157)
10. Indignantly: feeling or showing anger or annoyance at what is perceived as unfair treatment
Eg:) “Calpurnia whispered to me, but the roses on her hat trembled indignantly.” (pg.158)
11. Contentious: causing or likely to cause an argument; controversial
Eg:) “’Don’t pay no ‘tention to Luna, she’s contentious because Reverend Sykes threatened to church her.” (pg.159)
12. Rotogravure: a printing system using a rotary press with intaglio cylinders, typically running at high speed and used for long print runs of magazines and stamps
Eg:) “…the church’s only decoration except a rotogravure print of Hunt’s The light of the World.” (pg.159)
13. Congregation: a group of people who are gathered together in a church to worship God regularly
Eg:) “… stopping in front of us and facing the congregation.” (pg.161)
14. Artillery: large, heavy guns which are often moved on wheels
Eg:) “Zeebo cleared his throat and read in a voice like the rumble of distant artillery.” (pg.161)
15. Melancholy: a deep feeling of sadness that lasts for a long time and often cannot be explained
Eg:) “Line for line, voices followed in simple harmony until the hymn ended in a melancholy murmur.” (pg.161)
16. Denunciation: an act of criticizing somebody/something strongly in public
Eg:) “His sermon was a forthright denunciation of sin, an austere declaration of the motto on the wall behind him.” (pg.162)
17. Agony: extreme physical or mental suffering
Eg:) “Fans crackled, feet shuffled, tobacco-chewers were in agony.” (pg. 164)
18. Thunderstruck: extremely surprised and shocked
Eg:) “Jem was thunderstruck” (pg.166)
19. Enamored: to be filled with a feeling of love/affection
Eg:) “Enamored, upright, uncompromising, Aunt Alexandra was sitting in a rocking chair exactly as if she had sat there every day of her life.” (pg.168)
20. Uncompromising: unwilling to change your opinions or behavior
Eg:) “Enamored, upright, uncompromising, Aunt Alexandra was sitting in a rocking chair exactly as if she had sat there every day of her life.” (pg.168)